Cashner great as Padres beat Braves again

Andrew Cashner's pitching carries Padres on a low-offense win over the Braves

The Padres continue to hang on in close games as of late, even in games like the one on Tuesday evening where the prolific hitting seen lately took the night off. San Diego put up one run in each of the first three innings and beat the Atlanta Braves for the second day in a row, 3-2.

Chase Headley hit a solo home run in the first inning, Nick Headley doubled home Kyle Blanks in the second, and Carlos Quentin singled home Everth Cabrera in the third. Meanwhile, Andrew Cashner accomplished two things, he pitched well only giving up two runs and he pitched eight innings to help a still-overtaxed bull pen rest some needed arms.

It was the longest outing in Cashner’s major league career. He gave up the two runs on six hits while walking only one Braves hitter and striking out five.

Meanwhile, injuries continue to mount for the club. Center fielder Cameron Maybin, who had only played for four games since rejoining the team after suffering a wrist injury, was not in the line-up again on Tuesday.

It was later revealed that Maybin had suffered an injury to his knee in a game played on Sunday against the Colorado Rockies while diving for a ball in center field. The team indicated that Maybin would likely be placed on the disabled list.

When talking to manager Buddy Black about Cashner, the word growth is often mentioned. Black indicates that Cashner is, “still not a finished product.” This isn’t surprising to hear, as Cashner is only 23 years old and in only his fourth season in the big leagues.

Cashner was drafted by the Chicago Cubs and was lost to injury almost the entire 2011 season. Before the 2012 season began, Cashner came to the Padres in a trade that sent first baseman Anthony Rizzo to the Cubs.

Notes:

In the ninth inning after Joe Thatcher got the first two outs, Luke Gregerson struck out Dan Uggla to record his third save of the season, acting as the closer until Huston Street returns from disabled list. Street suffered a left calf strain at the beginning of the month. He is due to pitch one inning in rehab, for the class A Lake Elsinore Storm on Wednesday.

Wednesday is a day game at Petco Park where the Padres will look for a sweep of the Braves. Edinson Volquez (4-5, 6.33) will look to improve off of a rocky trip his last outing for the Padres, and will face Paul Maholm (7-4, 3.46). First pitch is scheduled for 12:40 PM, carried on radio 1090 AM and televised on Fox Sports San Diego.